EASTENDERS viewers have been left disgusted after Gray Atkins brutally assaulted his wife Chantelle in tonight's episode.

The solicitor - who is played by actor Toby Alexander Smith in the BBC soap - has presented the image of a mild-mannered dream husband in public, but in tongiht's first look at the Atkins' home, it became clear Gray was a cruel physical and mental abuser of his wife.

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Gray viciously attacked Chantelle in tonight's episode

After taking part in a charity race, Gray was left embarrassed when he was beaten by his father-in-law Mitch Baker, but instead of laughing it off, he became enraged and accused Chantelle of laughing at his failure.

Demanding she go home with him, Chantelle was obviously frightened of what controlling Gray would do and no sooner as he ushered her through the door that he grabbed her and forcefully punched her.

He sneered at his crying wife as she collapsed to the floor in pain: "I told you not to laugh at me."

Later he tried to blame Chantelle for his own vile behaviour, telling her she was "playing the victim".

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Viewers were disgusted by his brutal attack

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Chantelle was beaten badly by her husband

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He tried to blame her for his own abusive actions

He told her: "You turning on me, making me feel like an outsider.

"I do everything for you Chan and you treat me like I'm nothing. Please don't act the victim, let's just put it behind us now, OK?"

The sickening scenes were too much for some viewers who blasted the evil solicitor's behaviour.